“When I see a player destined for greatness, I’ll know. He will be a world-class player in the future. Arsenal should not dare to gamble with him,” Mourinho exposes the one Arsenal player that Arteta shouldn’t gamble with this season. Not Bukayo Saka and not William Saliba.
According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri “won’t be thrust into the side” for this weekend’s match against Tottenham.
According to the publication, the teenager is unlikely to start in the derby, despite suggestions that he may be added to the lineup.
Manager Mikel Arteta has been confronted with a selection headache after skipper Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury while on international duty.
Mikel Merino (shoulder) and Declan Rice (suspension) were previously ruled out for the match, while Fabio Vieira was loaned out to Porto earlier this summer.
Nwaneri is unlikely to start on Sunday, although he is anticipated to come off the bench.
Who will start against Tottenham?
According to GiveMeSport, Arteta is seriously considering starting Raheem Sterling through the center. The 29-year-old joined from Chelsea on loan just before the transfer window closed last month.
The England international has yet to make his debut, so starting him right away would be a bold move, but Arteta clearly believes in his skills.
If Sterling is given the nod, Kai Havertz is expected to return to the No.10 position left vacant by the injured Odegaard.
Arsenal have alternatives they can examine.
Rather than putting Sterling up front, Arteta might move him to the left side and play Leandro Trossard behind Havertz, although the Belgian hasn’t played much in that position for the Gunners.
Alternatively, with Gabriel Jesus anticipated to be available for the derby, the Brazilian might be assigned the duty, albeit it must be noted that he lacks match fitness, having not participated since the opening-day triumph over Wolves owing to a groin ailment.
